One day in 1912, two brothers named Oscar and Nathan Wagman (pictured above wearing the bowler hat, 5th from the right) opened a raw horsehair processing factory in South Philadelphia. Oscar moved to China in 1920, and realizing the potential of animal hair applications in the field of brush components, the brothers expanded their business to the Tianjin province.
In Tianjin, Oscar established an animal hair processing facility, which dealt in red fox fur, hog bristle, goat hair, yak hair and horsehair. Joined by Nathan’s son Howard, the family expanded its product line, first to human hair products (such as human hair weaves and wholesale human hair), and then, several years later, into paint applicators (paint brushes, chip brushes, artist brushes and more). Wagman Primus maintained a presence in China – and kept its operation in Philadelphia – for many years after.
In 1996, Richard Sheerr purchased Wagman Primus and focused its efforts on providing global product sourcing in human hair, brush components and artist supplies to North American customers.
In September 2008, Wagman Primus sold its entire brush and brush components business to Sherwin-Williams. After 86 years, the company’s sole focus was once again human and animal hair.
In October 2014, Wagman Primus and Wagman Hair were sold to a world leader in human hair importing and exporting. The Pennsylvania operations were closed and moved to Massachusetts where the Wagman Hair brand will live on for years to come.
To all of the loyal Wagman Hair clients,
As many of you now know, the Wagman Hair company you have all known and loved for so many years has closed its doors and ceased operations in their Pennsylvania offices. While this has been disappointing to most, we have an announcement that may help make this news a little easier.
On hearing that a company that has been an institution in the hair industry since its inception in 1912 was closing, an opportunity was presented to carry on a legacy over 100 years in the making. The Wagman Hair brand will live on through a new and exciting offering of products that will live up to the legendary name you've all come to know and trust. While we understand that these are "big shoes to fill", we’ve made a commitment to uphold the standards in both product quality and customer service that the former Wagman owners set forth.
The new Wagman: everything you need to know.
Is the product the same quality as before? Simple answer: Absolutely! The hair comes from the same source - the temples of India. Once collected, the raw Indian hair is cleaned (removed of gray hair and nits) and is gently washed. We have improved the former product line with a stronger weft, more precise lengths, new textures and a new weight per pack (3.5oz). It’s the same 100% virgin remy hair you’re used to - no processing, no silicone coating - it’s all natural.
Our Straight, Wavy and Curly textures are completely natural, virgin Indian hair. The textures are natural (not manipulated or permed). Aside from a gentle washing, they are completely unprocessed. They are not dyed - they come in their natural virgin tone. Because of this, each piece will be slightly different from the next in both color and texture. These textures are available in a machine weft or hand-tied weft.
To create the Spiral Curl and Relaxed Straight, we start with the same virgin Indian hair and use steam texturing to create the pattern. The hair maintains the virgin qualities but will be precisely patterned. Like straight, wavy and curly, these textures are also not dyed but are only available in machine wefted at this time
Do you sell the same products as before?
Not exactly, no. The new Wagman does not carry the PerfecTress® line of products. The extensions we are currently carrying are on par with the former offerings in the Superior and Raw hair lines previously offered. We carry natural, unprocessed virgin Indian hair - gently cleaned and securely wefted.
Is this the same company as before?
The former operations as you knew them in Pennsylvania have closed. The previously held inventory was liquidated at a discount before the brand was transitioned to new ownership and operations in Massachusetts.